Craft beer at Big Family Brewing in Sarnia. (Blackburn Media file photo)Craft beer at Big Family Brewing in Sarnia. (Blackburn Media file photo)
Sarnia

Inaugural 'Festival of Cheers' highlights local drink producers

A craft beer, wine, cider, and food show will take place at Progressive Auto Sales Arena ahead of the holiday season to showcase local businesses.

The inaugural Festival of Cheers will take place on Saturday, December 17.

Tourism Sarnia-Lambton (TSL) Executive Director Mark Perrin said it's a great opportunity to support the sector and build on TSL's existing Cheers to the Coast program.

"This is a great way to really support the tourism industry to bounce back after a tough couple of years," he said.

There will be no admission fee during the day from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Admission at night from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. will cost $30.

"We're going to have different activities, entertainment, and games going on down on the ice level, so we'll have vendor booths set up around the rink," said Perrin. "For the night show, we're having the bands play as well as featuring each of our vendors and having the same kind of games, tables [and] activities to really make it an epic event for everyone to enjoy."

Rumblefish and nostalgia band Dwayne Gretzky are scheduled to perform.

Perrin said the local inaugural event was modeled after similar festivals in larger cities like Toronto and Hamilton.

Thirteen drink producers will be at the event.

Drink sample token packages will be available in advance at TSL. The first 500 advance purchasers will receive limited edition “Cheers to the Coast” glassware.

Tickets and token packages can be purchased in person at TSL, online, or through the Sarnia Sting PASA box office.

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